In a statement, the departments said this followed a request after the Department of Basic Education previously issued guidelines prohibiting Covid-19 positive learners from entering exam centres.

The two departments jointly considered the requests and agreed that candidates who test positive and deemed fit to write the examination, will be allowed to do so.

However, they will write the exam at a different venue and under secure conditions that are in compliance with the examination regulations.

The Department of Basic Education and the Department of Health have just concluded an agreement this evening that will ensure that learners who test positive for COVID-19 are allowed to write the final matric examinations. pic.twitter.com/bcEkczJEWe

— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) November 4, 2020

According to The Citizen, it was previously said that learners who have Covid-19 would not be allowed to enter the exam area. But after parents and learners requested that the protocols be reviewed, a few adjustments were made. 

In addition, learners who test higher than 38°C will still be allowed to write exams, but will do so in an isolated venue at the school. They will also be separated from other learners, and taken to a healthcare centre for further medical attention. 

Twitter was abound with well wishes, as well as some comic relief from users urging learners not to use their masks as cheat sheets. 

Algoa FM